GLOBAL engineering firm Fluor has announced the erection of 1500 tons (US) of modules in the BHP South Flank ore handling plant in WA.

This plant will be the world’s biggest iron ore processing plant once operational.

BHP announced the project at 50pc completion in October 2019 with the first ore targeted for 2021.

The operation has an expected life span of 25 years.

Fluor Mining and Metals president Tony Morgan said he was proud of what had been accomplished by the BHP and Fluor integrated team approach.

The project committed to employing indigenous and local workers which has had a positive effect on the completion.

More than 9000 people are estimated to be engaged in the South Flank project over its lifetime.

The South Flank project will replace production from the Yandi mine as it reaches the end of its production.

The new hub is touted to enhance the average quality of BHP’s WA iron ore (WAIO) production and involves the construction of an 80mtpa crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and train loading facilities, procurement of new mining fleet and substantial mine development and pre-strip work.

BHP is using the project to step into the future with autonomous fleets, digital connectivity and modular design.

Autonomous vehicles improve safety on the site and are a major advance in mining technology.

Advertisement